St. Louis Blues: Brian Elliott Needs More Help From Offense

By Jonathan Katje

Scott Rovak – USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Blues are getting spectacular goaltending from Brian Elliott in the postseason, but their lack of offense is threatening to negate the good their netminder is doing. After opening up a 2-0 series lead, the Blues failed to score a goal against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday as Elliott made 20 saves in the 1-0 loss. The series has been a goaltending duel thus far, with each game decided by one goal. That puts more pressure on Elliott and Kings’ netminder Jonathan Quick, and both goalies could use more offensive support.

Of particular concern for the Blues is the ineffectiveness of their power play. They have had four chances in each of the last two games, but have nothing to show for it. The return of winger T.J. Oshie was supposed to be a boost for the team, but in three games he has no points and only two shots on goal. Oshie had two goals and 10 points on the power play this season.

David Backes (12 shots on goal in series) and Jaden Schwartz (10 shots) have yet to score as well, with the Blues’ offense so far consisting of two goals from Alex Steen, a goal from Patrik Berglund and a surprise goal from defenseman Barrett Jackman. Rookie Vladimir Tarasenko has yet to see action in the series, and maybe the time has come for Ken Hitchcock to insert him into the lineup to try and generate more scoring chances.

With all signs pointing to this series being a close one for its duration, one or two more goals per game would give the Blues a decisive edge and would really help Elliott out.

Jonathan Katje is an NHL senior writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.